Making a video game from scratch can seem daunting, especially for beginners eager to understand how everything works behind the scenes. While modern game engines like Unity, Unreal, or Godot offer powerful tools that simplify development, some developers choose to build their games entirely from the ground up—writing their own systems, rendering pipelines, and mechanics. This approach, though challenging, provides deep insight into game programming, low-level systems, and the foundational principles that make games function.
Understanding the Purpose of Building from Scratch
Many seasoned programmers and hobbyists opt to develop games without relying on pre-made engines. Their motivations vary: some want complete control over their systems, others seek to learn how rendering, physics, and input handling work at a fundamental level, and a few simply enjoy the challenge of creating everything themselves. Contrary to the common perception that engines are necessary for any serious game development, building from scratch allows a developer to tailor every aspect of the game to their vision and to understand the inner workings of game technology.
What Constitutes a Minimal Game Engine?
When discussing “making an engine,” it’s important to clarify that even small, specialized engines are often just collections of functions and data structures designed for specific types of games. For example, a simple 2D top-down strategy game might only need a camera, basic rendering routines, and collision detection—nothing more elaborate. Historically, developers created engines tailored to their game genres, focusing only on the features they needed. For instance, early id Software engines were built specifically for first-person shooters, with features relevant to that genre, and omitted anything unnecessary.
Why Choose to Develop Games Without Engines?
There are several reasons why developers might prefer building games from scratch:
- Educational Value: It provides a thorough understanding of graphics programming, input handling, and game architecture.
- Flexibility and Control: Developers can design systems exactly as they want, without constraints imposed by engine architectures.
- Personal Satisfaction: Creating systems from the ground up can be deeply rewarding, especially when visualizing the direct impact of your code.
- Cost and Accessibility: Avoiding proprietary engines or licensing fees makes it easier for solo developers or hobbyists to start.
Challenges of Building from Scratch
While the learning and customization opportunities are immense, developing a game from scratch is resource-intensive. It requires a solid grasp of programming, mathematics, graphics APIs (like OpenGL or Vulkan), and system-level concepts such as memory management and threading. Additionally, it’s easy to get lost in technical details, which can slow progress and lead to frustration, especially for those new to low-level programming.
Practical Steps to Start Making a Game from Scratch
1. Choose a Programming Language
Languages like C++, C#, Python, Lua, and JavaScript are common choices. C++ offers high performance and control but has a steep learning curve. C# (used in Unity) is more beginner-friendly, while Python or Lua can help you prototype quickly.
2. Learn Graphics APIs
Understanding how to render graphics at a low level involves learning APIs such as OpenGL, Direct3D, or Vulkan. These are complex but powerful tools that allow you to draw shapes, textures, and effects directly on the GPU.
3. Develop Core Systems
- Rendering: Write routines to load textures, draw sprites or models, and handle the rendering loop.
- Input Handling: Capture keyboard, mouse, or controller inputs.
- Physics and Collisions: Implement basic collision detection and response suitable for your game genre.
- Audio: Integrate sound effects and music playback.
4. Build a Simple Prototype
Start with minimal gameplay, such as moving a sprite around the screen or simple interactions. This helps you test your systems and understand their limitations.
5. Incrementally Add Features
Gradually introduce more complex systems like animations, AI, and level management, always testing and refining each component.
Resources for Self-Learning
- Languages: Tutorials for C++, C#, Python, and Lua are widely available on platforms like Codecademy, Udemy, and freeCodeCamp.
- Graphics APIs: Explore tutorials on OpenGL, Vulkan, or Direct3D. Books like “OpenGL Programming Guide” are excellent starting points.
- Sample Projects and Tutorials: Engage with open-source projects on GitHub to see how others have implemented low-level systems.
- Community and Forums: Join communities like Stack Overflow, Reddit’s r/gamedev, or dedicated Discord servers to seek guidance and feedback.
Patience and Persistence
Building a game entirely from scratch is a long-term project that involves lots of trial and error. Expect to create many simple prototypes before achieving a playable, polished game. The process will teach you valuable skills in programming, problem-solving, and system design, which are essential for more advanced projects in the future.
Conclusion
If your goal is to deeply understand how games work or to develop a highly customized engine tailored to a specific project, starting from scratch is a rewarding journey. It demands dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn low-level programming and graphics systems. While it might not be the fastest route to a finished game, it offers unparalleled insight into the core mechanics that power all video games.
Alexa Monroe
Alexa Monroe is a US-based gaming journalist and lifelong gamer. She writes about game codes, updates, and hidden secrets that help players get the most from every title. Link x.com Link insta